But what about his own position? If England reclaim the Ashes Ponting will go down in history as the Australian captain that ended an era of dominance. "I wouldn't like to think that my position would be under threat and I'm not sure that one series defeat would be the end of an era.

I have nothing against Ponting personally. But he should resign immediatley after this Test.

That statement has a Capital L for Loser all over it.

In all the times I coached or played sport, I have never heard a captain or coach talk like that and then get his team up. I would think his team-mates hearts would have sunk on hearing that comment.

Warney, what a guy. 319/7, close. Fairly even return, although I expect the ozzies will get a tolerable 1st innings lead. Hopefully though, they will only complete their first innings after tea on day 5.

Has anyone else noticed the grimaces on the faces of McGrath, Lee, and Tait when a thick edge goes for four.

Two slips in a game you HAVE to win?

When Warne bowls, he is the captain. I have changed my mind. Warne should be captain.

Chris Cairns turned out to be right about Ponting's captaincy when the Aussie side was firing: "My mother could captain them and they would still win." (sic)

Reading a book on Australian captains. Little story about Ian Chappell.

He was batting away, and his partner at the time told his captain that he was feeling a little distressed and could he retire. Chappell replied:"Sure you can. Why not? Go back into the dressing rooms and fetch me out a REAL Australian, will you?"

Ouch!

The player was left fuming at Chappell's comment, and went on to make a huge score. LOL

I don't know about shooting the poor bugger. But I think we are agreed on the point of relieving him of the job he thinks is so very secure....

I was an opening bat. So I would have been happy to turn around and see only two slips.

I can't remember it happening. My greatest joys were against the teams with the captains who had over-inflated opinions on their own spin bowling. How I loved it when these lollypop deliveries came my way after only 7 or 8 overs. If you could avoid gettting yourself caught on the boundary, you could get a 100 in record time.

Gilchrist said yesterday when asked about tactics regarding the weather: "you can't play against the weather. We have to play as if there will be some stoppages, but we have to assume we will have time." (paraphrased)

If they bat all day tomorrow (if they can, and why not?), then they have all day to get England out on day five.